As the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which has killed more than 1,000 people so far (and infected nearly 2,000), continues, scientists seem to be ramping up efforts to understand the disease and—with any luck—find a cure. And the latest research news may be an important step in the process: A study published today in Cell Host & Microbe reveals an attribute of Ebola that blocks and disables the body’s natural immune response.

This is about to get a little sciencey, so stay with us: The researchers found that the Ebola virus contains a protein, VP24, which interferes with an immune response molecule called interferon. VP24 seems to stop the process by which interferon actually communicates that the immune response is necessary. Basically, this is how Ebola plays dirty—it brings on serious symptoms and blocks the internal communication system that triggers your body to fight the infection. It’s like someone starting a fire in your house, locking the doors and cutting the phone lines so you can’t even call for help.

Experts hope that this new understanding will help researchers figure out how to develop effective treatments. As it is, several Ebola drugs are on their way into clinical trials, and one experimental drug is being flown into the area in an attempt to treat two doctors suffering from the virus. That drug, ZMapp, is considered “unproven” and has not been approved by the FDA, and only about 10 or 12 doses have been made. But many aid workers say it’s worth a try, since as of yet, no proven cure exists.